Dental Assistant - SCI Somerset

THE POSITION

Bring your dental assisting skills to the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset, where your care directly supports the well-being of the inmate population. Working closely alongside a Dentist, you will gain valuable hands-on clinical experience while providing critical patient care. Your attention to detail will directly contribute to a healthier facility environment. Step into a purpose-driven role where your skills can grow and your daily work makes a real impact!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports dental operations by assisting a Dentist, preparing materials, and helping maintain accurate records. The role focuses on patient care, workspace preparation, and proper handling of dental tools and documentation. As a Dental Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Chairside Assistance: Provide support during dental procedures using suction, irrigation, retraction, and drying techniques
• Workspace Preparation: Prepare tools, sterilize equipment, mix solutions, and set up the dental workspace for procedures
• Radiograph Processing: Expose, process, mount, and evaluate patient radiographs for diagnostic purposes
• Impression Handling: Take dental impressions and prepare casts for study models, diagnostics, and appliance creation
• Record Management: Schedule appointments, maintain call lists, and manage dental records according to policy
• Patient Instruction: Explain preventative care steps and post-procedural instructions to patients

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $36,831.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience in a dental office or clinic; or
• Successful completion of an accredited Dental Assisting certificate program; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirement:

• You must have successfully completed the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam as required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.

Benefits:

Salary : $36,831 - $54,162